What do people say?

Industry experts and the press have no doubt about the benefits of using an Exchange Bond^®. Here are just a few of their observations.

Awards

Your Mortgage Editor's Special Award 2007-2008

The Exchange Bond^® was awarded the Editor's Special Award by Your Mortgage magazine and web-site on November 15th 2007 at London's Barbican Centre.

We are once again delighted to have our product independently recognised as an innovative and useful tool in the property purchasing and mortgage market.

www.yourmortgage.co.uk

Industry experts

Kevin Belsham, Sales Director of George Wimpey:

"The introduction of the Exchange Bond^® to our marketing effort has had an immediate positive impact on our sales. It is proving particularly attractive to investors, but is equally appealing to first time buyers, those trading up or even those families downsizing."

Peter Vella, Sales and Marketing Director, Crosby Lend Lease North West:

"The introduction of the Exchange Bond^® has had a very encouraging influence on our sales and it can only continue to benefit us as a developer"

Justine Elliott, Sales and Marketing Director, Crosby Lend Lease Midlands:

"A particularly useful marketing tool that is as popular with first time buyers as investors."

Nick Gardner, Director of Chase De Vere:

"We are advising our clients to use an Exchange Bond^®. Firstly, it can potentially be cheaper and less risky than a bridging loan; secondly it protects purchasers if a developer goes bust; and finally for off-plan purchases where there may be a long gap between exchange and completion. For a relatively small premium, the Exchange Bond^® means that our clients can invest their money elsewhere or not have to dip into their stocks and shares or savings."

Warren Black, Director of Cityzen:

"When selling off-plan developments to seasoned investors, it’s often difficult to persuade clients to part with relatively large sums of money over a long period of time. With the Exchange Bond^®, investors have the opportunity to exchange on several units with minimal outlay. We are yet to find a client who doesn’t take up the option of an Exchange Bond^®."

In the press

Daniel Thomas in The Financial Times

"It has agreements to use bonds with more than 200 developers in the UK, including Taylor Wimpey, David Wilson and Crosby Lend Lease, and has guaranteed almost 3,000 bonds for house purchases since it was established in 2005."

1 September 2007 - Link to online version of article
Home-page: http://www.ft.com

Clare Francis in The Sunday Times

"Even if you have the money to put down for a deposit, it may be worth buying a bond instead, and leaving that cash earning interest until it is needed. Some developers will refund the cost of the bond as part of the sales incentive."

16 September 2007 - Link to online version of article
Home-page: http://www.timesonline.co.uk

Nicole Blackmore in Money Marketing

"Investors in on- and offshore property are now able to replace cash deposits with an exchange bond, through the London-based Exchange Insurance Company... The bond acts as a financial guarantee provided by ExCo to a seller on behalf of the buyer and instead of handing over cash on exchange and then waiting for completion, the buyer pays the agreed purchase price in full on completion. "

4 September 2007 - Link to online version of article
Home-page: http://www.moneymarketing.co.uk

Money Marketing is the market leading weekly newspaper, website, events and awards for the independent financial advisor.

On-line

Easier Property:

"The Exchange Bond is a cost effective, simple and safe alternative to the traditional 10-20 per cent cash deposit normally required, freeing a buyer from the burden of an often substantial cash deposit to secure a property purchase. The buyer then simply pays 100 per cent of the agreed purchase price on completion, which means that they continue to have control and use of funds that would otherwise be tied up as a deposit – sometimes for several years. These funds can be used elsewhere to generate a further return instead."

19 September 2007 - Link to article
Home-page: http://www.easier.com

Mortgage Solutions:

"The insurer offers a bond that replaces the cash deposit made at the time contracts are exchanged in residential property transactions."

20 September 2007 - Link to article
Home-page: http://www.mortgagesolutions-online.com

Sharon Flaherty in Financial Times Advisor:

"The Exchange Bond products have a financial guarantee that acts as an alternative to the traditional cash deposit."

19 September 2007 - Link to article
Home-page: http://ftadviser.com